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NIGERIA TO EXPERIENCE MIXED WEATHER CONDITIONS

A recent forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicates that various parts of the country will witness a combination of sunny, cloudy, and rainy weather conditions from June 24 to June 26. In the northern region, mornings are expected to be sunny with scattered clouds, but thunderstorms and moderate rainfall may occur in areas such as Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kaduna. The central region will likely experience clear skies with some clouds in the mornings, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in places like Plateau, Benue, Abuja, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger. Southern states will see cloudy conditions in the mornings, with rain expected in Akwa Ibom and other areas, including Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Ekiti, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. NiMet has issued warnings for strong winds and thunderstorms, advising the public to take necessary precautions, such as securing loose items, disconnecting electronics during storms, avoiding tall trees, and staying indoors during heavy rainfall. The agency also recommends that travelers and airline operators stay updated with detailed weather reports through its official platforms to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.

FOREIGN DIPLOMATS CALL FOR REFORM OF NIGERIA’S CYBERCRIMES ACT

The heads of mission from the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Canada have jointly called for the reform of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act to protect free speech and promote economic growth. In a statement signed by Richard M. Mills, Jr., US Ambassador to Nigeria, and his counterparts from the other countries, they expressed concerns about the misuse of the Act to silence criticism and dissent. US Ambassador Richard M. Mills, Jr. and his counterparts noted that while the Act aims to combat online fraud and cyberattacks, its broad language and vague definitions leave room for confusion and potential abuse. “The law’s broad scope allows it to be misused against Nigerian citizens seeking to express dissent, form opinions, or criticize powerful people,” they said. Mills and his counterparts welcomed the commitment from Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to review the Act. The diplomats cited the case of Dele Farotimi, who was charged with 12 counts of cybercrime after reporting alleged corruption in the judiciary. Farotimi’s ordeal highlights the potential for the Act to be misused as a tool to stifle free expression and undermine democratic engagement. Mills emphasized that reform is needed to protect both citizens’ rights and Nigeria’s future. The diplomats encouraged Nigerian lawmakers to narrow the definitions of key terms such as “false information,” “cyberstalking,” “insult,” “hatred,” and “harassment” to prevent the Act from being used to silence critics and censor expression. “As friends of Nigeria who share the country’s strong commitment to democratic values, we want Nigeria to realize its potential as a democratic digital powerhouse,” Mills said. The Council of Europe’s Global Action on Cybercrime project is providing funding and technical assistance to support the review of the Act. However, the deadline for the review has been delayed, and the diplomats urged Nigerian lawmakers to prioritize the review and ensure it is open to public consultation and debate [1].

THE DEATH OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA AND ITS LOOMING FINAL BURIAL IN NIGERIA

Bolaji O. Akinyemi. Democracy, a concept born in ancient Athens, has been a cornerstone of modern governance. Its evolution over centuries has shaped the world’s political landscape, with varying degrees of success. However, in Africa, democracy’s journey has been marred by challenges, and Nigeria’s current trajectory under the All Progressives Congress (APC) might signal its final demise. *A Brief History of Democracy* From ancient Greece to modern times, democracy has been a powerful force for ensuring accountability, representation, and the protection of individual rights. Its principles have inspired revolutions, shaped constitutions, and guided governance. In the 20th century, democracy’s popularity surged, with many countries adopting democratic systems. However, Africa’s experience has been distinct. *Democracy’s Challenges in Africa* Africa’s democratic journey has been fraught with obstacles, including: – *Colonial legacy*: The imposition of foreign systems of governance, often disregarding traditional structures and cultural nuances. – *Authoritarian tendencies*: Many African leaders have exploited power, suppressing opposition and undermining democratic institutions. – *Economic instability*: Poverty, corruption, and poor governance have hindered democratic consolidation. *Nigeria’s Democratic Experiment* Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has had a tumultuous democratic experience. APC as the political party currently in power is failing democracy in the following ways: – *Undermining democratic institutions*: Eroding the independence of the judiciary, electoral commission, and other critical bodies. – *Promoting authoritarianism*: Suppressing opposition, restricting civil liberties, and consolidating power. – *Disregarding the rule of law*: Ignoring Supreme Court pronouncements on defection, as seen in Delta and Akwa Ibom States. *The Rise of One-Party Rule* The APC’s actions, particularly its push for an authoritarian regime disguised as a one-party state, threaten the very foundations of democracy. This trend, if unchecked, might lead to: – *Democratic collapse*: The erosion of democratic norms, institutions, and values. – *Military intervention*: The rise of military rule, as seen in the subregion, could become a more plausible alternative. *The Need for Global Intervention* The international community, particularly the United States, must take a proactive role in promoting democracy in Africa. A global intervention could: – *Support democratic institutions*: Strengthen the capacity of electoral commissions, judiciary, and other critical bodies. – *Promote good governance*: Encourage transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. The Minority Institute as proposed by concerned minority representative groups, led by the Apostolic Round Table in Nigeria should be given the required assistance in capacity building and empowerment to enable them hold the ground given the manipulation of leading opposition parties and their hijack by the APC. – *Check authoritarian tendencies*: Deter the APC and other governments from undermining democracy. *Conclusion* The death of democracy in Africa, with Nigeria as a prime example, is a stark reality. The APC’s actions, if allowed to continue, might lay democracy to rest. The world must intervene to save democracy in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. A healthy practice of democracy is the only way to check the rise of military rule in the subregion. The time for action is now. Prof. Bolaji O. Akinyemi

NIGERIA DRIFTING TOWARDS ONE-PARTY STATE – OZEKHOME

Prominent constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s subtle descent into dictatorship, warning that the country is “gradually drifting towards a one-party state.” Ozekhome expressed his concerns during a recent interview on national television. The renowned lawyer condemned the current political culture of indiscriminate party defections and the erosion of ideological values among elected officials. “It’s like beans, akara, and moi-moi all the same,” he quipped, criticizing the lack of distinction among political actors. According to him, this trend signals the death of a credible opposition and endangers democracy. Ozekhome pointed to the concentration of power in the hands of the current administration, alleging that President Bola Tinubu has strategically installed loyalists across critical government sectors. This, he warned, could render future elections meaningless if opposition voices continue to weaken. “In a one-party state, dictatorship reigns supreme,” he cautioned, adding that once this happens, all arms of government – legislature and judiciary – risk being compromised. The Senior Advocate also expressed deep concern over growing public apathy, likening Nigerians’ silence to a kind of “Stockholm Syndrome,” where citizens, pushed to the brink by hardship, appear too weary to confront those responsible for their plight. Drawing historical parallels, he referenced the collapse of the former ruling party, which once boasted of holding power for 60 years, only to crumble under the weight of its own internal contradictions. Calling for civic vigilance, Ozekhome urged Nigerians to wake up and reclaim their democratic space. “The power is yours, not theirs,” he said pointedly, emphasizing the need for citizens to take an active role in shaping their country’s future.

THE BAND CATEGORISATION OF ELECTRICITY USERS MAY NOT BE FIT FOR PURPOSE AS NIGERIANS NOW LIVE IN DARKNESS

Inadequate investment in the power sector since independence has been responsible for the weak foundation of Nigeria’s economy and prevented the country from benefiting from globalization trend of the 90s while a number of the East Asian countries measurably profited. The failure to address the country’s power sector challenges by investing in infrastructure left the country ignored by the dynamic forces that swept international arenas of investment, trading and financial systems with the aid of advanced information and telecommunications technology. The structure of the current power sector system are grossly inadequate to stimulate meaningful economic development that is why Nigeria must evolve advanced power sector development options capable of supporting the country’s efforts in solving her lingering challenges. It is now obvious that band A,B,C,D,E etc was not the neat arithmetic or magic for finding solutions to our power sector challenges. As time went by, maybe the nation need to toughen up and address this division into bands: maybe the policy is no longer fit for purpose, maybe the time has come to debate the matter very seriously because it looks like we are trying to create a solution to solve a problem without understanding it’s roots . Nigeria need to make a deal with ordinary citizens; artisans, and non skilled workers whose lives and livelihoods are daily devastated relying on the epileptic power sector.Band A, B, C,D and all the arrangements I thought were designed to bring reprieve and succour to business and livelihood have turned out to be a nightmare. Now that we are here, the power Ministry need the wisdom of discernment to start having open and sincere conversations about the state of the power sector. Certainly, we need to stumble back to the original appeal of common sense that statistics do not heal a grieving soul and neither made the hungry full. The real differentiation in bands would have been useful if it resonates with million of Nigerians particularly in band A now trapped in darkness. The demarcation into bands to me mocks logic that a country of almost 240 million people, 210 tcf of gas and 37 billion barrels of crude oil including condensatea share between 4-5 gigawatts since 1980. Let’s we forget that the peak of our electricity generation was in 1980. The sad reality is that We hired a foreman to fix the mess but since 2023, there has been acute incompetence that fixated on inanities and mundane such as using 100 billion Naira to educate Nigerians about how to read meter. Meter that we have been reading since 1886. Now that the bands are not achieving the desired outcome, it is good for the foreman( Minister) to give focus and full attention to the challenges of the moment and call for perspectives to help him search for alternatives and enduring solutions. Since 2023, it was clear that the power sector thrives on routine and pass it for hard work, effectiveness and excellence. There is something fundamentally wrong with the way we have gone about our power development, there is circumstantial kind of lack of investment and it is very pervasive. This is a historical introspection on the degradation of the Nigeria power sector since 1960. If we must achieve our goals of ramping up our economy by 2030, the deeply flawed and unsustainable power sector need to attract our focus substantially. To get there, we must shift our mindset and pursue rapid investment and development of infrastructure in the power sector. Additionally, We need to harness the preponderance of potentials including the will to harness such potentials because poverty and hunger orchestrated by lack of power have injected disequilibrum into the economic mechanisms of Nigeria and could lead to further thinning of the citizens resilience. A disequilibrum society with unstable power sector could prove very difficult to manage. Also, the issue of electricity and poverty alleviation are well captured in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, but for Mauritius, Seychelles and many countries in North Africa, countries like Nigeria are way behind attaining the SDGs. For Nigeria to have a chance of catching up with the rest of the world, the country must be intentionally in investment and development of her power sector and seek alternative sources of resolving her power problems. How Nigeria chose public servants will determine whether she respond to her power problems because Inadequate investment in the power sector could deepen existing poverty, hunger and inequality. AIR VICE MARSHAL (RTD) AKUGBE IYAMUPRESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE PRACTITIONERS You can follow me Twitter X @iyamuclimatech1 and Instagram iyamuclimatechange and Facebook. You can also send your views to iyamukenneth65@gmail.com and 07057447442 ( messages only)

NIGERIA WINS JOLLOF DERBY, BOOKS PLACE IN UNITY CUP FINAL

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have emerged victorious in the highly anticipated Jollof Derby, defeating Ghana’s Black Stars 2-1 in the Unity Cup semi-final. Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 14th minute with a clinical finish, assisted by Sodiq Ismail. Ghana’s Razak Simpson inadvertently extended Nigeria’s lead just five minutes later with an own goal. The first half saw Ghana struggle to create scoring opportunities, failing to record a single shot on target. However, the Black Stars showed resilience in the second half, with substitute Brandon Asante-Thomas pulling one back in the 70th minute. Despite Ghana’s late efforts, Nigeria held firm to secure a 2-1 win and book their place in the Unity Cup final. The Super Eagles will face Jamaica on Saturday, who defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in their semi-final match. This victory gives Nigeria bragging rights in the Jollof Derby, a rivalry that goes beyond football and celebrates cultural unity among African and Caribbean nations. The Unity Cup is more than just a tournament – it’s a celebration of unity, passion, and national pride.

GALE OF DEFECTIONS: A STORM IN A TEACUP

Of Stupidity, Show Of Shame, And Shenanigans 3. The political class is arrogantly building a huge wave of massive masses discontent and hate; through the wave of huge illogical and inexplicable defections in the face of hunger, insecurity, and massive masses discontent they are arming the masses against themselves; and very unfortunately partisan obscurantists and jesters like the APC National Chairman Alhaji Gandollar Ganduje think that all is well, and that the descent to a One-Party State is ok. The pervasive wave of arrogant defections shall fuel the people against the political class and by Jove give fillip to the emergent masses  motivated ballot based revolution just ahead of us. Quote me, nothing in history is truer than the fact that *the power of the people is mightier than the power of those in power.* The gale of defections will count for nothing and amount to the proverbial *Wait for Godot* in the face of the realities that confront the masses daily. The sponsors of the defections and those who contrive these defections; the defecting Governors and the defecting Lawmakers should learn from the 2023 general election where 21 State Governors could not deliver their States to their preferred Presidential Candidates; and they must understand that only Partisans who benefit from the blood-stained and the blood-soaked mandate of the present watch are standing with PBAT President Bola Ahmed Tinubu). Anyway power intoxicates to befuddling stupidity that they may never learn. In the now popular build up to the 2027 General Elections (since the APC before mid-term, not up to the second year of PBAT’s term have dumped leadership and governance for politics and politricks), the APC if it likes, can go ahead blackmailing opposition Governors and Lawmakers with charges of corruption; they can threaten them all they like and make them defect to the APC with alacrity afterall if they have clean hands they wouldn’t be scared; and the APC as it were is a Beatification Centre where the corrupt is transformed to Sainthood. Don’t be deceived, the gale of defections to the ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS APC are contrived, procured and compelled, there are no dot or jot of altruism in the defections and none in the defectors either, everything to them is politics, it is simply egocentric, self-serving and self-seeking, no one cares about you and I. On the converse side however, the shameless shenanigans of the defectors wreaks Olympic arrogance, huge shamelessness and wanton soullessness when juxtaposed with the fact that the Ruling Party which has become their new Mecca or Jerusalem has failed to make real the promises of democracy. In fact the APC is big on propaganda and very little on governance. But the shenanigans of the protagonists of State Capture and a One-Party State who predominate the APC doesn’t bother genuine patriots and keen followers of Nigerian Politics because we are aware that in our nation’s history no group or Party has ever conquered Nigeria, none can, and none will. The PDP is today the victim of their *‘we shall rule Nigeria for 60 years’* arrogance, and so shall the predilection of the APC to a One-Party State meet its sordid comeuppance. Nigeria is not for hire, and the arrogance of Politricktians and Partisans will not mortally destroy our intellectual and ideological margins, yes politicians have shamelessly admitted that they are lacking in ideology, and that the Parties are bereft of ideological margins, that noted, come 2027 the masses shall massively show to them that we know good governance when we see one. Countrymen, Countrywomen and Compatriots, it feels good to see a new divide on our political space, it is a clearly drawn out line, a battle between the People and the Political Class. It is about working together as a People, uniting as the Class of the Oppressed, and organizing rather than agonizing; it is about slicing the arrogance of the political class and teaching them that Power truly belongs to the People; it is about redeeming our country from the ravaging claws of rampaging thieves and buccaneers; it is about birthing and berthing a New Day, a New Dawn and a New Republic that works for all; and it is about Making Nigeria Great Again. God Bless Nigeria.m Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia JnrConvener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.

CHINA DENIES DELAYING NIGERIAN ATHLETES’ VISA, CITES SWIFT PROCESSING

The Embassy of China in Nigeria has denied allegations that visa delays were responsible for Nigerian athletes’ withdrawal from the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. In a statement, the embassy asserted that it acted swiftly and professionally to facilitate the visa process. According to the embassy, it received a formal request for visa support from Nigeria’s National Sports Commission on April 24, and immediately communicated with the Commission and provided guidance on required documentation. The visa application materials were submitted to the China Visa Application Centre on May 6, and the embassy activated expedited procedures, completing visa issuance by May 8. “The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries,” the statement read. “We have consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner.” The embassy described the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) statement as “clearly inconsistent with the facts,” emphasizing that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty and requires applicants to follow standard procedures and timelines. The Chinese mission reiterated its commitment to promoting sports and cultural exchange between the two nations, expressing regret over the athletes’ absence from the competition. The AFN has yet to respond to the Chinese Embassy’s rebuttal. “The Embassy of China in Nigeria has consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner,” the embassy stated, adding that it is committed to supporting people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries.

NIGERIA SEEKS ENHANCED US SUPPORT IN FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has called for increased support from the United States in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism efforts, and military capabilities to address the country’s evolving security challenges. Director Information and Public Relations, Patience Ituke, in a statement, said Matawalle made this appeal during a meeting with Major General Garrick Harmon, the Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). Ituke said Matawalle underscored the significance of strengthening bilateral defence relations and urged the US to expand its assistance in critical areas. “Nigeria is dedicated to promoting regional peace and security; however, we cannot achieve this alone,” Matawalle stated. “We require more robust support from the United States, particularly in intelligence sharing and capacity building, to effectively combat terrorism, insurgency, and transnational threats,” he emphasized. Matawalle’s appeal was made during a high-level meeting with Harmon, who expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security efforts. Harmon noted that despite the brief duration of his visit, the engagements in Nigeria have been highly productive. Ituke said both parties acknowledged their shared interests and agreed on the necessity for deeper collaboration in addressing regional security challenges.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON VISA OVERSTAYERS WITH $15 DAILY FINE AND RE-ENTRY BANS

The Federal Government has announced that travellers who overstay their visas in Nigeria will face a daily fine of $15 and risk being banned from re-entering the country for up to five years, effective August 2025. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement session in Lagos. Although the new penalties will technically take effect in May 2025, a grace period will be observed until August to allow affected individuals ample time to comply. “This will allow visa holders time to adjust to the new policy before the full enforcement begins in August,” Mr Tunji-Ojo said. The Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 introduces a structured penalty system designed to curb visa abuse. Under the new rules, visa overstayers will incur a $15 fine for each extra day they remain in the country after their visa expires. Extended overstays will attract harsher consequences: “The penalty system is part of broader efforts to ensure compliance, protect national security, and promote responsible migration,” Mr Tunji-Ojo stated. The Nigeria Immigration Service will be responsible for enforcing the new policy and ensuring its effectiveness. The Minister emphasized that the new policy is part of a wider strategy to improve migration governance. With this development, the Federal Government aims to regulate visa usage and promote compliance with immigration laws.